Everest Trekkers
Tony Bell
Tony Bell was born with a defect in his colon that required him to have ostomy surgery immediately after his birth. A few years later, his ostomy was reversed, but, after years of struggling with incontinence, a then 9-year-old Tony received a permanent colostomy. All of a sudden, Tony’s life was transformed from an inactive, withdrawn, scared to leave home existence – Tony was ready to saddle up and grab life by the horns. Literally.
An empowered Tony embraced a bright future: he was determined to make a career as a professional bull rider. He wasted no time, mounting his first bull at the age of 10. While attending college on a singing scholarship, Tony went pro on the rodeo circuit and competed professionally for two years, even riding in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, known as “The Daddy of Them All”.
Today, Tony, 29, lives in Harveyville, Kansas. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys skydiving and noodling (fishing for catfish with your bare hands!). Tony wants to share with the world his story of success so that others with life-changing conditions know that they are not alone. “No matter what comes your way, always reach for the stars and grasp your dreams – they are only a bull ride away.”
Carly Lindsay
Being sixteen years old, it is hard to imagine that Carly has had ‘Trouble’ since the age of nine. Who is Trouble? Trouble is her ileostomy, nicknamed by Carly and her ET nurse. Is it really trouble? No, it is not. It gave Carly her life back after a painful battle with Ulcerative Colitis.
Having ileostomy surgery has taught Carly to believe in herself and realize that she can do anything she wants to do. Just ask her mom. Two months after her ostomy surgery Carly’s grade 4 class began weekly swimming lessons. It took quite a bit of convincing for Carly’s mom to let her go. Not only did she imagine horrible things happening to Carly’s pouch in the water, but it was against the pool rules to swim with an ostomy. But Carly proved her mom wrong and everybody else is no wiser!
Carly knows a few people who are avoiding surgery because they can’t imagine what life would be like with an ostomy. She can’t imagine what her life would be like without an ostomy. ‘Trouble’ has allowed Carly to be a regular kid again by improving her quality of life–and she wants to share her story with anyone who will listen. We’re really excited that Carly is joining us on this adventure of a lifetime and we’re really thankful that her parents have agreed to support her participation. Carly’s from Waterford, Ontario.
Clinton Shard
Clinton Shard, from Squamish, BC, is a sixteen year old Crohn’s sufferer and athlete. Clinton met Rob after hearing about him and his Seven Summits campaign. Rob gave Clinton inspiration to do anything he wanted to do, even climb mountains, no matter what obstacles are put in front of him.
When Clinton was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 12, he was forced to stop doing all the things he loved: soccer, being with friends, mountain biking, climbing, and hiking. He never imagined being able to begin doing all these things again, let alone climb Mount Kilimanjaro! Clinton successfully reached the summit of the world’s highest free standing mountain alongside Rob in September 2009. Crohn’s Disease may have put Clinton’s life on hold, but he sure isn’t going to let it stop him.
For Clinton, trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp is a personal feat and a demonstration to all those who suffer with IBD to not let their diseases slow them down. He wants to show people suffering from IBD, and anyone with any illness, you can accomplish your goals, whatever they may be!
Clinton’s participation in IBD Adventures is made possible because of the generous support of Abbott Laboratories. You can follow Clinton on Twitter: @clintonshard
Phil Wu
Phil, from Richmond, BC, met Rob in 1993 when they both worked at Motorola. After following Rob’s Seven Summits campaign with great interest, Phil joined the NO GUTS KNOW GLORY Mount Everest bid as a trekker. With his newly discovered fondness for outdoor adventure, Phil is taking his support of IBD Adventures with a successful climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro in September 2009 and is excited to return to Mount Everest Base Camp in 2010 as part of the IBD Adventures team. Follow Phil on Twitter: @phobus
Paul Head
Paul, of Vancouver, BC, is proud supporter of IBD Adventures, and was fortunate enough to have joined Rob’s cheering section in the 2008 NO GUTS KNOW GLORY Mount Everest base camp trek. Having spent the last 14 years working in the fitness community as a Special Events Director, he has taken on the challenge to take the awareness of IBD Adventures to a new level. Paul (aka Super Baje) enjoys any outdoor activity, world travel and the gym, while maintaining a balance with work. “Leap and the Net will appear” sums up his story. After a successful IBD Adventures Kilimanjaro summit in September 2009, Paul has volunteered to lead the 2010 IBD Adventures trekkers back from Everest Base Camp. We’re glad to have him as an integral part of the IBD Adventures organizing team.
Bob Peterson
Bob, from Chicago, Illinois, had ulcerative colitis for 5 years before losing his colon. The ileostomy he received 20 years ago enabled him to raise 4 children in an adventurous way: sailing, kayaking, cycling, hiking and climbing.
Bob is excited about the ideals of IDEAS, and wants to support their mission. He’s also thrilled to accompany Rob Hill in Nepal to see Rob off on his ultimate climb, showing the world that an ostomy is just a minor physical difference and not a disability.
Please give!
Your donations to IDEAS, supporting the efforts of these trekkers, will allow us to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth, like Clinton and Carly. A week at summer camp, as a camper, or learning to be a counselor, provides a life-changing opportunity for children who have been deeply affected by challenging, painful intestinal diseases. Your donations will also be used to fund research to find a cure for IBD. Please give now through Canada Helps.
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Way to go Carly!
Carly, We wish you all the best on this adventure of a lifetime. Make Waterford proud!
Carly, I’m so proud of you. You’re an amazing woman and an inspiration to many other kids and especially to me! Remember I am thinking and praying for you while you train and conquer this amazing adventurer. I love you, Kim
We can hardly believe this!! What an honour. It is a wonderful opportunity and both of us are very proud of you. IDEAS really does support great ideas!!
Hallo Carly
Wat een geweldig avontuur. Wat heb jij toch een geluk.
We hopen dat je een geweldige tijd tegemoet gaat.
Iets om nooit te vergeten.
De volgende reis naar Holland? Ook een geweldig avontuur hoor.
De deur staat altijd open voor je.
Heel veel liefs van alle Koopmannetjes uit Oosterblokker
Hallo Carly
Wat geweldig voor je, om dit mee te mogen maken.
Je bent wel een bofkont hoor. We hopen dat je een
hele mooie tijd tegemoet gaat. Een reis om nooit te vergeten.
Het volgende avontuur wordt een reis naar Holland?
De deur staat altijd voor je open.
Veel liefs, van de Koopmannetjes uit Oosterblokker
have fun!
see you when you get back! <3
I am a very proud Aunt. You’ve got a wonderful opportunity and a chance of a lifetime. I’m envious…..wish I was going along with you. Have a safe adventure….and can’t wait to hear all your stories when you get back.
carly your going to do amazing hoope you have a great time on the trip. wish you all the best.
Awhe Carly
I’m gonna be without my buddy for a month. Take lots of “pictures” for me (hehe).
One thing that Im not going to miss out on. But I do think that you should take me in your backpack 
Good luck girly, hope you have an amazing time with your lululemon headbands
You’re so lucky you get to be with the guys without showering for like 2 weeks
Have a wonderful time Carly
Have fun love!
We’re really proud of you!
ps. I’m going to miss you so much!
Love you lots <3
My love Carly<3
<3
you are such a amazing friend and it has only been a few months that we have none each other. You have become one of my best friends and i could not be more happy about it
its going to be so sad when u leave but i am going to be really happy that u get to experience something so amazing. You should pack me in your bag and bring me with you haha . jk not really lol
Anyways i just wanted to wish u luck on your trip!!!
Hope you have the time of your life
XOXOXOX <3
LOVE YOU
Carly your awsome! Please take Jacob with you soo We don’t have to deal with him LOL:) Can’t wait to see your pics and hear your stories.
Dear, Carly it is a good IDEA for me to come with you.
Dear Carly,
We, your friends in Hamilton, wish you the very best as you take on this great adventure. We’re all very proud of you. Reach high- reach for the sky! XOXOXO
Carly,
CONGRATULATIONS!! What a wonderful opportunity to experience Nepal, the climb, and all that’s in store for you! We’re very proud of you here in Waterford. In fact, I feel a newspaper story or two coming on. Are you up for it, Carly? I’ll be in touch to see if I can feature you in my next Expositor article. It could be an opportunity to educate and champion the goals of IDEAS. Reach for the stars!! They’re closer there on Everest!!
~Carol Goff (Steedman)
Hey Carly
I wish you good luck in this amazing adventure and I want to hear all about it when you get back home. Maybe you could have an evening at the Waterford Town Hall to tell your story to all your friends and family, complete with pictures of course.
Keep your socks dry and if you maintain the enthusiastic attitude that you have, you’ll make it to the top of the world.
~ Laurie McGregor
Carly,
I think what you are doing is really inspiring and brave. You are supporting so many people who have intestinal diseases simply by talking about it. Way to go!
Woohoo Carly! Give your dreams all you’ve got…a wonderful journey awaits you. May your spirit soar when you stand on the summit and be as proud of what you have accomplished, as all of your family and friends will be of you.
Awesome Carly! All the best to you and your team. Looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing your stories when you return. Wishing each and every one of the climbers a safe journey.
Carly,
This trek provides you with the opportunity to be an inspiration to people everywhere. To those of us who are close to you, we have been inspired by you for years. At the very young age of 9, when you were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, you weighed the options and made a decision that effected the rest of your life. You are a courageous and confident young woman ready to take on any challenge. We are so proud! Good luck and we will follow your journey daily.
Carly hun you should definately take me with you!!!! But i will help you get more jacked so that you can beast up this adventure.
lol i really wish i could go with you but i am sure that you will take tonnes of pictures and stuff so that we can feel like we are actually there. 
lol I will miss you lots but this opportunity is once in a life time so i am sure it will totally be worth it. 
have fun and be safe. 
lol wow i sound like your mother there. lol
<3
ps have fun hun.
Carly, beast it up
loove you<3
Hey Carly
I hope you have an amazing time there, and are able to take in every moment of it. Have fun
Heya Carly, just to say well done on your fantastic achievement. All the best with the trip and preparations for it. I’ll be thinking of you ( : Go Carly…………..!!
Vicki XX
Heya Carly- just to say well done on your fantastic achievement, what an opportunity! Best of luck with the trek and all the preparations for the trip. Thinking of you. Go carly………..! ( :
Vicki XX
Way to go Carly! You’re an inspiration to an awful lot of young people, showing perseverance and courage! You go girl! And when you get back, Ben wants you to make him one of your awesome paper airplanes! Have a wonderful adventure!!
Carly….it wasn’t that long ago when you were walking the halls of St. Bernard’s.
I am very proud of you! Put Waterford on the map! Do us proud!
Carly,
Steve and I are very proud of you! You have the chance of a lifetime, and are an inspiration to so many people. We can’t wait to hear about your jouney! Enjoy every minute of it! xoxo
Hey Carly, heard the news! Have an amazing time on your adventure. We will be waiting patiently in Calgary for lots of stories and pictures!!
Hey Carly! Have an awesome time! I am excited to hear about your trip and see pictures! Be safe and have fun. Thank you for your card, will see you on the 19th!
Thanks for all the words of encouragement everyone!
I was young when my dad had his surgery. I remember him before and after, and never thought much about it, except after he could do more things with us. It was never a big deal. In fact, I never really thought twice about it. Now that I’m older, I can understand what a life changing thing it is. I’m so very proud of my dad, and every one else who will not let this disease stop them from living their life the way they want. I wish every one the best times on this trip! I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear the stories! I love you Dad.
Namaste Rob
may the Gods of Sagarmatha be with you on your 7th Summit all the way there, and all the way back.
To the IBD Adventurers,
Your support of Rob and his climb, and your support of IBD Adventures is truely amazing. Each step you take is a step in the enlightenment of many to change attitudes about IBD with altitude.
God bless.
Eat, sleep and hike forward as you travel through time and journey within……from James, Carly’s brother to: Rob, John, Tony, Clinton, Carly, Paul, Phil, Bob and all the guides and sherpa’s.
Greetings IBD Team,
Well the good news is that the marching band will be in the arrival hall for you when you arrive Friday in Hong Kong. I did have a little trouble trying to persuade the HK government to declare a National Holiday, though sorry. Later today, it will be off to Kathmandu and the real adventure begins.
I am thrilled to be part of this great IBD Adventure Team effort on both supporting Rob in his Everest bid, and raising awareness and funds for the IBD community. Having said that, I will try and bring the same Brass marching Band to KTM airport, along with the appropriate dignitaries, to ensure a huge welcoming party, then speedy transport to you lodging. Have a safe and enjoyable journey, Team!
Namaste,
Super Baje
- I feel a bit like a delinquent mother in that perhaps something will be forgotten in Carly’s pack……. but in comparison to the responsibilities this group is taking on with Carly & Clinton along, I cannot imagine…you are amazing!!!!!!!
-Then there is Rob’s climb to the summit…a gold medal is in order before the trek even begins. His committment to raising awareness to IBD and ensuring personal growth for kids & teens is absolutely awesome.
- To ALL OF YOU on the road less travelled…our hearts are with you. Have the journey of a life time and look after each other well.
Try not to worry, Carly’s Mom. The kids (guess I’d better not call them that or they will be throwing that in my face as I’m stopped, panting for breath, as they waltz up the hills!) will be well looked after, with many concerned dads in the party.
That said, I identify well with your concerns, since my kids have lived lives of high adventure starting at a young age!
They will have an absolutely amazing time, and will bedazzle you with photos and stories for a long time to come.
Even though I’m left behind by my adventuresome husband, I’m so thrilled to have him go on this trip! The years he had colitis kept him from doing so many things with us as a family. It’s been 20 years since his surgery and the life we’ve had and the adventures he’s given our children has been amazing. Bob’s taking my library Cat in the Hat along so the children at my school can have a little taste of what exciting things there are to do in the world. We have a student here with a pouch who was stunned to hear that not only is he not the only one in the world to have one – that people with them can lead such athletic lives. Also, they can tuck in their shirts! (something he avoids, though it’s a school rule) I wish you all the time of your life – no – one of the times of your lives. The adventure continues. Also, Bob’s from Rockford, Illinois – not Chicago – don’t know why he put that. We’re at the top of Illinois. Nameste!
Bob and all you adventurers, have a fantastic time and know there are many people excited for you. I can’t wait to hear about your journey and see the photos sent back. The stories you all will have! You are all amazing!
Uncle Bob and the rest of the Trekkers, you are so inspirational! This is going to be such an amazing adventure….I can’t wait to hear about it and see the pictures, which I know will be breathtaking. Have the time of your lives and of course, be safe! I look forward to following along with you on the website.
We’re all looking forward to looking at the photos and hearing about your adventure. So you’ve left your footprints at the base of Mt. Everest – and that’s just the beginning!
Our best wishes for a safe return. All your friends from Hamilton.
I just read the Simcoe Reformer . Your picture on the frontpage again and quite awrite up inside .
Mom is getting ready for her trip to Calgary .James will have to put up with me and Opa . Lots of fun .
See you next week safe and well home again .
Lots of love Oma .
Hi Carly,
I can hardly wait to hear how this mountain stacks up against all the mental mountains you have climbed so far. All the Best!
Mr. Arthur